WARREN, NJ - The new the Alternative Financing Committee’s first report was given by Watchung Hills Board of Education member Glenn Mastrobattista at the board's last meeting.

The committee was formed to seek increased revenue for the school and has identified a second goal.

Mastrobattista, who recommended that the board look at alternative ways to bring revenue to the district, said, “While this is still a work in progress, we got our house in order and got the committee off and running."

The committee serves a "two-fold" purpose, according to Mastrobattista:

-to generate revenue for the general budget and other district needs

-and to create an overarching booster alliance that complies with district and state policies.

The committee also includes board member Barry Hunsinger.

“We do have some valuable assets and areas that a lot of people pass through, and companies see that,” said Hunsinger. “The revenue will then offset a lot of the things we need to do.”

“We don’t want to turn the school into a NASCAR but there are several high-traffic areas that would be appealing to many businesses,” said Mastrobattista. “Once we create a plan and establish the value of the assets, we would take a next step of going out to the public. We could present the plan to the board and it would be at their suggestion to target different organizations for sponsorship. It is a very good test to see how we can generate revenue. We are eventually going to get there and examine every facet of it, but again we are not looking to put banners all over the property. We are looking to gain revenue for our needs.”

Additionally, the committee is creating a Warrior Booster Alliance which will allow Watchung Hills' organizations to fall under a 501(c)(3) umbrella non-profit organization.

“This alliance will enable all of the sports booster clubs who aren't non-profits to fall under one umbrella organization that marries up the board's policies but also gives them access to insurance and to operate accordingly,” said Mastrobattista. .

“The school itself will have to establish a 501(c)(3) organization and we are currently working with Mr. Stys (WHRHS BA Timothy Stys) to move forward on that. This allows everyone to play by the rules and we will have policies and procedures in place"

Another added benefit is cost. When you have clubs under one umbrella, they can also share any associated costs.

Board president Dr. Gregory Przybylski said he " commends Mastrobattista and Hunsinger for trying to create this overarching booster alliance for all of the organizations that can’t identify as a non-profit."

WARREN, NJ - Have you seen Yankee? Yankee went missing on Sunday. She is 15 1/2 years old, is deaf and doesn't walk well and is very friendly.

The family is heartbroken and has been looking for her all day. She was last seen on Sage Drive near her home. Sage is close to the borders of Long Hill, Berkeley Heights, and Watchung. If you see her call Alison Kimsey ...

WARREN, NJ - Have you seen Yankee? Yankee went missing on Sunday. She is 15 1/2 years old, is deaf ...

LONG HILL TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Goddard School located in Long Hill Township plans to install a state-of-the-art sanitization cabinet to ensure faculty members can effectively sanitize toys and other objects used by children to help keep classrooms as germ free as possible.

Sumara and Imran Ahmad, owners of The Goddard School located in Long Hill, are opening the newest preschool early next year ...

LONG HILL TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Goddard School located in Long Hill Township plans to install a ...

CALIFORNIA — With the deadliest wildfire raging in the state’s history and nearly 210,000 acres burned and ablaze from fires across the state, California and its citizens and equine community are facing one of equestrians’ worst fears. Many people have been forced to flee their homes, farms, and ranches, with little or no warning, turning horses and livestock loose to fend for themselves and hope ...

CALIFORNIA — With the deadliest wildfire raging in the state’s history and nearly 210,000 acres ...

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- Ever wanted to own your own amusement park like Michael Jackson? Now you can, and your don't have to wait on line for tickets!

Bowcraft, the scene of countless local children's birthday parties and decades of summer fun in Union County, has closed forever, but thanks to an online liquidation sale, you can purchase rides such as the Galleon, the Scrambler or the Flying ...

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- Ever wanted to own your own amusement park like Michael Jackson? Now you can, ...

BEDMINSTER TWP., NJ _ The return of Colonial Christmas _ which showcases local decorators, re-enactors, Christmas crafts, tasty refreshments and musical performers, such as the Ridge A Cappella Choir _ begins this coming Friday evening with a holiday tree lighting in front of the Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum.

The entire community is invited to gather in front of the Colonial-era home ...

WEST ORANGE, NJ — According to West Orange Acting Superintendent of Schools Eveny de Mendez, the difficult decision to open or close schools in bad weather has an immense effect on not only the students and their families, but the school staff and community at large as well.

Stating that ensuring the safety and well-being of students is the paramount priority among the many factors that go ...

WEST ORANGE, NJ — According to West Orange Acting Superintendent of Schools Eveny de Mendez, the ...

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — The Mid-Atlantic Equitation Festival, presented by County Saddlery, remained unfazed by the northern winter storm and opened the Indoor ring to competitors early Friday morning at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro Md., for the first classes of MAEF 2018.

The seventh year of the event is scheduled to run through Sunday, Nov. 18, and will feature over ...